Chapter 4—Transportation

Instructor's Notes.

• Use the "Transportation" section of the videoenhanced PowerPoint presentation.

Objectives

• Students will be able to load, transport, and unload a UTV.

Towing Vehicles

The weight of the towing vehicle and loaded trailer must not exceed 75 percent of the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle and loaded trailer, including all cargo and passengers. The GCWR is determined by the manufacturer and is usually shown in the owner's manual. To determine the maximum loaded trailer weight your vehicle can tow, refer to the owner's manual.

Trailers

UTVs must be transported on a trailer (figure 28). They cannot be transported in the bed of pickup trucks. A tilt-bed trailer, especially designed for hauling off-highway vehicles, is the best unit for hauling these machines but others may be used. Forest Service Operator's Identification Cards (OF-346) must indicate trailer certification before employees can tow trailers for work.

Figure 28—An employee drives a UTV onto a trailer.

All trailers must be in good condition and have the proper gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), the trailer's maximum allowable weight when loaded. The weight of your trailer and your load must never exceed the trailer's GVWR. To determine the weight of your trailer and load, add the following:

• Trailer curb weight (empty)
• UTV gross vehicle weight
• Equipment or cargo weight
• The operator's weight

To hook a trailer to a truck or other towing vehicle (figure 29):

Figure 29—A trailer correctly hooked to the towing vehicle.

• Align the trailer to the hitch.
• Crank the tongue of the trailer down onto the hitch.
• Lock the hitch into place and insert the safety pin.
• Connect the safety chains in a crisscross fashion.
• Attach the breakaway cable, while keeping it separate from the safety chain.
• Raise the jack all the way up and secure its handle.
• Connect the electrical cord from the vehicle to the trailer.
• Inspect all trailers before use. Inspect the electrical system, brakes, tires, axles, frame, and safety security chain.

Ramps

Ramps must be rated to support the combined weight of the UTV, operator, equipment, and cargo (figure 30). Ramps must be fabricated of aluminum or welded steel and have a high traction surface comprised of closely spaced crossed members or mesh. Wooden ramps are not permitted.

Figure 30—Load capacity rating for a ramp.

The ramp can be one piece, two pieces, rigid, or folding so long as the hinges were installed by the manufacturer. One piece and bifold or trifold ramps must be at least 46 inches wide. Wider UTVs require a wider ramp. For two-piece ramps, each ramp must be at least 10 inches wide. Ramps are recommended to be 7 feet long. The minimum length is 6 feet.

When attaching a one-piece ramp, center it on the trailer. For two-piece ramps, place each ramp parallel with the tires (figure 31) of the UTV centered on the ramps. In either case, ensure that the ramp is level and the angle is as low as possible to reduce the risk of injury. To lower the angle of the ramp, use a loading platform or place the back tires of the trailer into a depression.

Figure 31—Two-piece aluminum ramps.

Once the ramp is in place, secure the ramp to the trailer with two tiedown straps, chains, steel cables, or mechanical fasteners that are taut with no slack. These devices must be able to support the weight of the ramp, machine, cargo, and rider.

Loading and Unloading UTVs

Wear appropriate PPE and ask someone to be a spotter when loading a UTV.

Ask all passengers to get out. Remove any portable cargo or equipment and empty any liquid tanks to remove weight from the back of the UTV. If heavy cargo or tanks cannot be emptied or removed safely, secure sandbags or other heavy objects to the front of the UTV to equalize the load. If the load cannot be balanced, the UTV can be winched onto the trailer without an operator on board.

A winch can also be used to load a disabled UTV. Before winching, operators should be trained and fully aware of serious hazards associated with winching operations. Appropriate PPE must be worn during winching operations.

To load a UTV, fasten your seatbelt and remain seated (figure 32). Injuries are more likely to be serious if you are thrown from the machine. Apply the accelerator pedal smoothly. Listen and follow the spotter's directions. Climb the ramp at a low speed (figure 33). Too much speed or sudden acceleration may cause the UTV to overturn, slam into the front of the trailer, or overshoot the front of the trailer.

Figure 32—An operator prepares to load a UTV.

Figure 33—An operator slowly climbs a two-piece ramp.

When a UTV has been loaded, turn off the ignition, remove the key, put the transmission in the recommended gear (in the owner's manual), and set the parking brake. Secure the UTV to the trailer with four tiedowns: two in front and two in back (figure 34). Secure the tiedowns to the trailer's cargo anchors and the UTV frame tubing (not the cargo racks) unless the owner's manual indicates otherwise. The tiedowns will prevent the machine from moving while it is being transported. If a commercially manufactured restraining device is available, only two tiedowns may be used if the use is documented in the JHA. All tiedowns must be ratchet type, in good condition, free of frays and splices, and have a minimum weight capacity of 2,500 pounds. Do not use knotted straps or ropes to secure a UTV.

Figure 34—Ratchet-type tiedowns are used to secure UTVs to a trailer.

To unload a UTV, apply the accelerator pedal just enough to start the UTV down the ramp. Allow the UTV to roll down the ramp using light brake pressure to control the speed (figure 35). Hard braking when descending a ramp could cause the UTV to flip over.

Figure 35—An operator slowly unloads a UTV while ensuring
the wheels remain centered on the ramps.

Hazardous Materials

When transporting or using hazardous materials, follow all local, State, and Federal guidelines and meet the specifications in the guides (figure 36): "Interagency Transportation Guide for Gasoline, Mixed Gas, Drip-Torch Fuel and Diesel" (National Wildfire Coordinating Group current edition) or the "Everyday Hazmat User's Training Guide" (Erickson and others current edition).

Figure 36—Two guides with information on hazardous materials.